Charlton v Luton Sat 22 Feb | 3pm KO | Post-match Thread

Well that was all rather fun wasnt it... First half weasnt the best BUT it wasnt as bad as everyone made out, certainly wasnt as bad as the Blackburn game

Was clear looking back that Luton rushed into the game eager to get daylight between themselves and us going into the second half, they pressed and harried every time we got the ball and typically played like a team that are at serious threat of relegation - Ultimately though they didnt do enough when they did have the ball, Phillips certainly wasnt at fault for their goal - Second half and they appeared a team that seemed jaded from their first half, they certainly gave our players more time on the ball and again for all their bluster only forced Phillips into one serious save, for the rest of the game Dillon was a spectator (which made that particular save all the better)

Of course it doesnt mean we played like a team 100% comfortable throughout, Davis struggled in the first period whilst Oshilaja was extremely disappointing at the base of the diamond and was right to be subbed

You have to remember though that even whilst it was 0-0; it was Charlton who created the better opportunities with Doughty forcing a save and Sarr hitting the bar

As already mentioned though it was Lapslie who changed the game, unsurprisingly bringing balance to the team and allowing Davis to drop into the base where he was a lot more comfortable - Lapslie on the other hand surprised me slightly, I thought he'd put in a typical defensive display (like the one against Portsmouth) yet instead was wisely given a free role by Bowyer which enabled him to be the typical Yorkshire Terrier that we know him to be

Ulimately felt that Bowyer's tactics were pretty spot on today, the formation (a return to the diamond) worked whilst his subs which often come under scrutiny were spot on, was certainly nice to see Bonne come on and cause their defence problems, it was obvious that Taylor was giving them a hard day so to bring on Bonne and double those problems (like what we saw against Bristol City on boxing day) was pretty obvious, would have been curious to see what calls were forced on him as cant imagine Doughty (Left-Back) and potentially Oshilaja (CDM) being set to start today

Like I say, certainly room for improvement; Luton at times played like a team that shouldnt be in the relegation zone but end of the day proved why they are in there

Setup for Sheffield Wednesday will be interesting what with bigger relegation battles against Huddersfield and Middlesbrough coming up, dont see why we cant aim for seven points minimum

One final point, why are we singing: "We are staying up"... Its never been in doubt!!

eaststandmike said:

Exiled_Addick said:

Pretty dreadful first half. Usual defensive frailties, really struggled to clear our lines, poor decision making on the ball, and no clear link between midfield and attack. Thought we looked very poor and a moment of magic from Taylor saved us going in a goal behind. Thank goodness Luton are such a poor side otherwise it would’ve been another Blackburn or Stoke. 

Two big let offs early in the second half - free header from a corner and then, probably, a wrongly disallowed goal after more ponderous possession in midfield. 

Finally, though, Bowyer made the much needed change to the midfield and everything changed. Lapslie changed everything. Suddenly we had energy in midfield, everyone looked comfortable with their roles, and we had links between all the lines. Our early season balance was back. The fact he won the  penalty and scored the clincher were just icing on the cake.

Strong showing from Dills, dealt with everything he could reasonably be expected to. Matthews was good and best of the defenders. Doughty looks to have lost his early fearlessness and looks a bit tentative to me, but was far from dreadful. Lockyer was ropey as in the first half, better second (no coincidence that the midfield was providing better protection), Sarr very unlucky not to score and generally decent otherwise. Cullen played well, very busy and getting his touch and sharpness of turn and passing back, more to come from him as he finds that last 5% of fitness. Deji, he’s a trier but absolutely no need to have in that midfield with two other defensive minded players. Davis looked lost on the right of the diamond, but much better at the base in the second half. Ozzy, in and out of the game but nearly unlocked them a few times, overdue a goal now. Green tried but didn’t really affect the game that much and missed an absolute sitter, his pace is an outlet though.  Taylor, only one to put on a full 90 minutes of good quality, and a magic goal. Without him we’d already be down. Bonne looked decent when he came on, another assist and a physical handful for their defence - he’s learning more and more tricks from Taylor. 

What Exiled has said sums it up for me.

Just got in and going out for dinner tonight so I am being lazy.

COYR's

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LouisMend said:

https://twitter.com/LouisMend/status/1231285207216611331

https://www.londonnewsonline.co.uk/lyle-taylor-will-have-enjoyed-silencing-the-abusive-luton-town-fans-says-charlton-boss-lee-bowyer/

Sssshhhh Lee. You need to be telling the press how mentally weak Taylor is and how he hates fans and players trying to get under his skin, and how much it puts him off his game. 

First half wasn't that bad, we hit the bar and scored a good goal then fell asleep immediately after. Turning point was their disallowed goal - it was close and had their player left it would it have crept in anyway? After that with Lapslie on we did well. Davis looked good changing position and we did look a threat. Luton looked like a team which had won its last two but I think it was the sort of performance from us that was needed. Massive three points and now we have brought a number of teams into it. Boro look to be in freefall at the moment. I could see them going!